Genomic Selection for Dairy Cattle Behaviour Considering Novel Traits in a Changing Technical Production Environment

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics and Genomics
• Agricultural Technology

Background:

• Cow behavior significantly impacts dairy herd profitability, animal welfare, and disease detection.
• Modern dairy farming, with larger herds and technologies like automatic milking systems (AMSs), reduces human-cow interaction.
• Cow responses to the technical environment, such as AMS interactions, can enhance efficiency and welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review published studies on dairy cow behavior in the context of genetics and genomics.
• To discuss the potential of breeding approaches for desirable cow behavior in technical production environments.
• To highlight the role of behavior in herd management, productivity, and welfare.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on dairy cow behavior, genetics, and genomics.
• Analysis of how agricultural technology, including AMSs, influences cow behavior and interaction.
• Exploration of genetic mechanisms and potential biomarkers (physiological, molecular) for cow behavior.

Main Results:

• AMSs generate objective behavioral traits linked to workability, milkability, and health, useful for genomic selection.
• There's a need for better understanding of genetic influences on cow learning and social behavior.
• Physiological and molecular biomarkers show promise as indicators and predictors of cow behavior.

Conclusions:

• Genomic selection tools can be advanced by incorporating objective behavior traits from technologies like AMSs.
• Further research into the genetic basis of cow behavior is crucial for improving herd management, productivity, and welfare.
• Breeding strategies should consider desired cow behaviors for optimal performance in modern, technology-driven dairy farming.